New Digi Camera - Minolta A200 or Olympus C8080?

[John Masson]

I am not in the market for a DSLR. I want the best "prosumer" camera I can purchase for around $800. It needs to have at least a 7x Zoom.....

Anyhow I am getting closer to making a purchase and I have narrowed it down to TWO cameras. The Canon Powershot Pro1 or the Minolta Dimage A200. I am leaning more towards the Pro1 at the moment. The Pro1 looks to have faster AF and most of the problems described in early reviews are gone with the firmware updates Canon has released.

[John Masson]

After more thinking, I may purchase a DSLR. I would love to be able to have 35mm speed with excellent quality and no "dead" time between shots. I see that Canon is introducing the new Digital Rebel XT later this month. For $999, can get the kit with good starter lense. Then have the flexibility to upgrade down the road.

Any opinions on the Rebel XT? It looks like it will be a solid camera.

[trog100]

now if u hadnt been quite so assertive about your needs and requirments in the first place we could have started this conversation a while back .. he he

i think u are going the right way.. the real high end prosumers dont really compete well price wise with the low end DLSRs.. this is only a recent thing.. but it is a thing..

only one other thing really... the new kid on the block comes in at full price.. yesterdays kid goes on special offer.. u have to look carefully at what the new kid has to offer that the old one dosnt and then work out if the new kid is worth the extra money.. basically the old rebel might well satisfy your requirments and it will be a lot cheaper.. perhaps a better lense cheaper..??

trog100

[John Masson]

If I take the dive into DSLR's I want something with great speed, something that the original Rebel fell down trying to accomplish. I may wait a few more months, and then re-evaluate the situation. If I do get the Rebel XT I may also purchase a Sigma 70-300mm lens.

I have also been looking at the D70. It is a proven camera with great abilities, and in a few months may drop in price. I'll see how the Rebel XT performs once it is released, but the D70 is looking better and better now that I research more

[trog100]

yes the D70 is a good option.. its been around for a while and the price is coming down along with the old rebel..

trog100

[John Masson]

I will most likely make a purchase this week. I have found a reputable dealer, on eBay with 80,000 feedback. I am looking at this package:

The Nikon D70 Outfit with 18-70mm DX Lens
Nikon 70-300mm "G" Lens
SanDisk 1GB Extreme III CompactFlash
USB 2.0 Compact Flash Card Reader
Extra Battery
Nikon SLR Carry Case

All for $1400 shipped. Plus $230 in rebates. = 1170 after rebates, for a complete package.

I know the "G" lens is not as good, but It's ED counterpart is too expensive for me at the moment. I can always upgrade later on. Locally, a similar package at CircuitCity or Ritz Camera would be over $1900 with tax, and $1700 after rebate!!

[trog100]

looks a good all-round package john.. get it purchased and start to enjoy it..

trog100

[John Masson]

I ordered it, and it will be here Friday....Can't wait!!